Early Spring Cleaning: Let Go of the Old to Welcome in the New

Spring cleaning has come early for me this year. Even as I say it out loud to myself, it sounds a little premature! Many of us have just experienced a week of unseasonably warm weather -- as though our Heavenly Father was giving us a sneak preview of the new season he has in store for us.

While waiting in the checkout line yesterday, it seemed as if the people around me had caught the spring bug, too! Everyone had big smiles on their faces, talking to each other with an extra bounce in their step. It was as though something heavy had been lifted away.

This morning, I began to walk through the different rooms in my house and decided I would begin spring cleaning with my closet, which is often the place I “tuck things away for later”.

As I began to go through some boxes, I found my thoughts wandering: There are rooms in the home of our hearts that need to be refreshed or cleaned, too. I thought about Jesus when he was comforting his disciples by telling them not to be worried or afraid.

He said to them; “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” John 12: 2(NIV) 

I was reminded how Jesus comforted his disciples as he was preparing to leave them. This may seem mysterious to us, but should give us great hope. The Father knows us, loves us, and has sent his Son to save us to be with him forever. This was told to the disciples as a comfort, and it should be a comfort to us as well. 

We may find that one of our rooms has some cobwebs of old doubts or disappointments tucked away in the corner that need to be swept out and cleared away to welcome in a new light of hope.

... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Some rooms may just need “a fresh coat of faith” to paint a new perspective of trust where our Heavenly Father is guiding us.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV

There may be a room with layers of old thoughts that cause distraction from following your heartfelt dreams.  What better time than now to take a deep breath and discard those old thoughts that are holding you back from believing in them? 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

After a full day of spring-cleaning, I feel rejuvenated and free from the things that have cluttered my heart.  As I put my things away for the day, I sat down for a moment with a warm cup of tea to reflect upon the rooms of my heart. I realized that one of my favorite rooms is a place where I go to sit quietly and embrace the blessings and love from our Heavenly Father.  It’s a place in the home of my heart that fills my soul with peace and enlightens me with words of wisdom and joy.

 “So listen, my sons and daughters, to everything I tell you,
for nothing will bring you more joy than following my ways.
Listen to my counsel,
for my instruction will enlighten you.
You’ll be wise not to ignore it.
 If you wait at wisdom’s doorway,
longing to hear a word for every day,
joy will break forth within you as you listen for what I’ll say.
For the fountain of life pours into you every time that you find me,
and this is the secret of growing in the delight
and the favor of the Lord.  Proverbs 8: 32-35 (TPT)

A place where I can hear our Heavenly Father whisper promises to me that give me courage and strength.   A place I call home.   

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV) 

I once again am reminded that our Heavenly Father is our home and His home is where the heart is.  And when we choose to truly let go of the things that clutter the rooms of our heart, we become open to opportunities to receive more of His love and promises.

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. Deuteronomy 28:12 NIV

Let Go. Be Free. Live a life that our Heavenly Father joyously promises us everyday.